San Antonio councilman found to abuse power by Ethics Board

SAN ANTONIO – A recent hearing by the City of San Antonio’s Ethics Review Board determined that Councilman Marc Whyte (D10) overstepped his boundaries by trying to involve local law enforcement in a private custody matter earlier this year.

The complaint was filed by attorney Martin Phipps in May, accusing Whyte of using his council position to interfere in a personal issue. Whyte defended his actions, citing concerns for potential child abuse and claiming a moral obligation to intervene.

However, an external attorney hired by the city pointed out that Whyte was aware that the police were already handling the situation by the time he reached out to law enforcement officials. The board members questioned his failure to call 911 instead.

The board voted to reprimand Whyte and provide ethics training, citing violations of city ethics codes related to using his authority for personal gain.

This marks the first time in over a decade that an ethics complaint has resulted in a hearing, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Following the ruling, Whyte expressed disagreement with the findings and maintained his stance on the matter.

Details emerged regarding the events of April 26, with dispatch records indicating a call reporting concerning behavior at Phipps’ residence. Law enforcement responded promptly to the call, but Whyte’s attempt to escalate the situation raised eyebrows.

Text messages exchanged that evening reveal a pattern of attempts to involve higher-ranking officials, raising questions about the appropriateness of his actions.

The intertwining personal histories between the involved parties added complexity to the situation. Former students of Phipps, including Whyte and Pelaez, found themselves entangled in a dispute that highlighted deep-rooted tensions.

Allegations of a hostile work environment and personal vendettas colored the interactions, clouding the ethical judgement of those involved.